Fried Dandelions (Appalachian Style)

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(15)

This is a recipe handed down by my mother and is a local favorite back in West Virginia, up in the Appalachian Mountains. This recipe consists of picking the largest dandelion flowers and leaving the entire stem behind, battering the flowers up and frying them in butter. Has a flavor similar to that of mushrooms. One word of caution...to avoid a bitter taste, make sure the dandelion flowers you're picking have not been sprayed by dogs or pesticides.

close up view of Fried Dandelions (Appalachian Style) on a white plate
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Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
30 mins
Servings:
8
Yield:
8 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 2 tablespoons seasoned salt

  • 1 tablespoon ground black pepper

  • 4 eggs

  • 80 unopened dandelion blossoms, stems removed

  • ½ cup butter

Directions

  1. Combine the flour, seasoned salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until evenly combined; set aside. Beat the eggs in a mixing bowl, then stir in the dandelion blossoms until completely coated.

  2. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove half of the dandelions from the egg, and allow the excess egg to drip away. Toss in the flour until completely coated, then remove from the flour, tossing between your hands to allow excess flour to fall away. Cook the dandelions in the melted butter until golden brown, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with the remaining dandelions.

Editor's Note

The nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of the breading ingredients. The actual amount of the breading consumed will vary. We have determined the nutritional value of oil for frying based on a retention value of 10% after cooking. The exact amount will vary depending on cooking time and temperature, ingredient density, and the specific type of oil used.

Cook's Notes

Prepare the dandelion flowers ahead of time by submerging them in a bowl of room-temperature water with about 1 tablespoon of salt added to the water. This rids the flowers of any insects that could be in the blossoms. Soak for about 10 minutes. Rinse the flowers in fresh water. Using a salad spinner works nicely to rinse and dry the dandelion flowers.

There is a variety of the dandelion that has a thin solid stalk and this is NOT the flower to use. Make sure the dandelions you pick have the tubular stalk.

As an option, canola or vegetable oil can be used to fry the dandelions in but the flavor will change accordingly. Try using some other spices, like garlic powder, in seasoning to taste.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

266 Calories
15g Fat
27g Carbs
7g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 266
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 15g 19%
Saturated Fat 8g 41%
Cholesterol 124mg 41%
Sodium 821mg 36%
Total Carbohydrate 27g 10%
Dietary Fiber 2g 6%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 7g
Vitamin C 7mg 37%
Calcium 77mg 6%
Iron 3mg 16%
Potassium 175mg 4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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